The champion jumper Hypnotize will live out his days at his birthplace, White Robe Lodge, North Taieri.
His retirement was announced by his Wanganui co-owner and trainer Raymond Connors after the 12yr-old ran a gallant third in the Great Northern Steeplechase at Ellerslie on Saturday.
"He pulled up really good and could carry on but we have made the decision to retire him," Connors said.
Hypnotize had won the Northern in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and finished second in 2009. Hypnotize and Hunterville are the only horses to win the race three times in its 126-year history.
'The Anderton family were keen to give him a retirement home and I will let him wind down and send him back," Connors said.
Hypnotize also won the Pakuranga Hunt Cup three times at Ellerslie. Connors, who raced Hypnotize with his father, Mark, rated the third Northern win under 70.5kg as a highlight.They bought him for $20,000 as a 2yr-old at the South Island sale when the son of Yamanin Vital and Auburn Rose was offered by breeders Brian and Lorraine Anderton.
Hypnotize won 13 of his 43 starts and $379,410 in stakes.
